ADA supports National Recovery Month

“Recovery Month is an opportunity to show support for our colleagues who may be struggling with a substance use disorder,” the Association said in an Aug. 26 letter to constituent and component dental societies. “Through rallies, picnics, motorcycle rides, walks/runs and other community events, Recovery Month spreads the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. Above all, it reinforces the notion that those in recovery are valued in their communities and are never alone.”

The Association’s Dentist Health and Wellness Program encourages and assists development and administration of innovative programs for dentists’ wellbeing.

In a related communication with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Association offered “enthusiastic support” for Recovery Month. The ADA has supported this activity since 2004.

“Dentists are well positioned to facilitate the journey for many of those in need,” the Association said. “Every year, Americans make about 500 million visits to dentists. With appropriate training, dentists can use those visits to quickly screen patients for signs of alcohol and drug abuse, briefly counsel those in need and refer them for counseling and treatment.”